National Monument · NPS · ME
Frances Perkins National Monument
Photo: DOI Photo, A profile view of the Frances Perkins Homestead
Alerts and conditions
Park Closure For Current Visitor Information
For the most up to date information on Frances Perkins National Monument, please visit the website for the Frances Perkins Center at francesperkinscenter.org.
Overview
Known as the first woman to hold a presidential cabinet position and the “Woman behind the New Deal,” Frances Perkins championed many labor rights that Americans enjoy today, including safety standards, Social Security, and shorter workweeks. Her impressive career and accomplishments, including as Secretary of Labor, opened the door for other women to hold high government positions.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Plan your visit
Hours
Frances Perkins National Monument: The historic buildings of the homestead are currently closed until summer of 2025, including the Perkins’ family ancestral home known as the “Brick House”. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily year-round.
Getting there
The park is only accessible by car. If using a GPS device for directions, use the park’s physical address: 478 River Road; Newcastle, Maine, 04553. From US Route 1 traveling either direction, exit onto the Snead Spur in Newcastle; turn right onto River Road and follow for about 1.5 miles. The park is on the left before the intersection of Castlewood Road.
Weather
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Snow or rain is common. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 70 F to 100 F. Rain and sun are equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared to bring plenty of water - heat exhaustion is a common complaint among park visitors who are unprepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 70 F. Fall foliage is at its peak around late September. Winter: Temperatures range from -30 F to -10 F. Be prepared with cold weather gear.
Phone: 207-385-6393
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Franklin Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 12 miles
- Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 21 miles
- Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 42 miles
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 67 miles
- Acadia National Park NPS · 71 miles
- Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 83 miles